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J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion has been one of the most eagerly awaited books of this century. It tells the story of Middle Earth (sic) before the events of The Lord of the Rings.

Clyde Kilby spent a summer working with Tolkien on the manuscript of The Silmarillion. In this book he describes that time. He builds up a fascinating portrait of Professor Tolkien, his work as a Christian writer, and his friendship with C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams and the rest of 'The Inklings'.

Originally, a synopsis of The Silmarillion was to be included, but this was removed at the request of Christopher Tolkien. The summary was subsequently published in VII: An Anglo-American Literary Review, Volume 19, 2002.